Politics News
Thailand politics news, government updates, policy changes, and election coverage—stay informed on key political events, leaders, and decisions shaping the nation. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for political news in Thailand.
-
Sponsored Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?
Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...
-
MFP dissolution leads to new political outfit: The People’s Party
Members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP) today launched their new political outfit, the People’s Party. Natthaphong “Teng” Ruengpanyawut, the former MFP Deputy Secretary-General, has been named the new leader of the rebranded party. The Constitutional Court ordered the dissolution of the MFP on Wednesday, August 7, accusing the party of posing a threat to both the monarchy and…
-
Thai ministry tackles substandard imports threatening SMEs
The Commerce Ministry has partnered with ten government agencies to implement measures aimed at reducing the influx of low-priced, substandard imported goods, which pose safety risks to consumers purchasing from both online and offline vendors. The Commerce Permanent Secretary, Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, highlighted that the rise of Chinese e-commerce platforms using a direct-to-customer model allows buyers direct access to inexpensive products…
-
Thailand probes ex-MFP MPs over lese majeste law support
An ethical investigation into 44 former members of the now-dissolved Move Forward Party (MFP) has been initiated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). These politicians are under scrutiny for their support of a bill intended to revise the lese majeste law, as confirmed by the NACC yesterday, August 8. NACC Secretary-General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol revealed that the commission has found sufficient…
-
Ex-Move Forward MPs to unveil new party after court ban (video)
Following the shock dissolution of the Move Forward Party (MFP), former MPs are set to rise from the ashes with a brand-new political entity. The MFP, which clinched victory in the 2023 General Election, was abruptly disbanded by the Constitutional Court yesterday, August 7, accused of attempting to undermine the constitutional monarchy by pushing to amend the lese majeste law…
-
Cracks in 300-year-old Buddha statue in Samut Sakhon reveal core
A centuries-old Buddha statue in Samut Sakhon has cracked, revealing an ancient laterite core. The Fine Arts Department confirmed it is the work of ancient craftsmen, showing distinct differences between the outer and inner statues. The Buddha statue, over 300 years old, located at Wat Khok Kham in Samut Sakhon, shows significant cracks exposing an inner statue made of laterite.…
-
Thailand to introduce more effective and affordable HPV vaccine
Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) plans to replace its two-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine with a more affordable and effective single-dose alternative in the next fiscal year, according to Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin. The current two-dose vaccine has a 60% effectiveness rate against two strains of the virus, HPV16 and HPV18, whereas the proposed single-dose vaccine boasts a…
-
US Embassy concerned over dissolution of Move Forward Party
The United States of America Embassy issued an official statement of concern on Facebook after the Constitutional Court yesterday dissolved the Move Forward Party (MFP) over their attempts to alter the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Law. After five months of consideration, the Constitutional Court yesterday, August 7, deemed the MFP‘s campaign to reform…
-
Thai bill to legalise adult entertainment industry fails first reading
A bill aiming to legalise the adult entertainment industry and its associated products, including pornographic materials and sex toys, failed to pass its first reading in the House yesterday. Sponsored by the Move Forward Party (MFP), the bill was introduced by Bangkok MP Taopiphop Limjittrakorn last month. The proposal sought to amend Section 287 of the Criminal Code, which currently…
-
Thailand to revise EEC high-speed rail contract by next month
Government officials anticipate finalising the revised contract for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) high-speed rail system by next month, paving the way for the project’s next phase. This high-speed rail system, a cornerstone project for the EEC, aims to connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Asia Era One, a consortium led by…
-
PM Srettha denies rumoured bribes to MFP MPs
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin vehemently denies knowing anything about the explosive rumours circulating about attempts to bribe Move Forward Party (MFP) MPs to switch allegiances. Insiders claim that rival political factions have allegedly dangled a staggering 30 million baht in front of some MFP MPs to lure them away. These tantalising whispers come as the MFP, the leading opposition…
-
Move Forward Party dissolved, leaders banned for 10 years (video)
The Constitutional Court of Thailand today announced a verdict to dissolve the Move Forward Party (MFP) over their efforts to reform the lese majeste law, also known as Section 112 of the Criminal Law, and ban the managing executives of the party for 10 years. In April, the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) requested that the Constitutional Court consider dissolving…
-
PM Srettha’s mother honoured at royal cremation ceremony
The funeral of Chodchoi Thavisin, mother of Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, took place with significant figures from various sectors attending to pay their respects. His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua appointed General Surayud Chulanont, President of the Privy Council, to represent him in the royal cremation ceremony held at Wat Thepsirintrawat yesterday, August 6 at 5pm. Notable attendees…
-
Three insurgents killed in Pattani clash with security forces
Security forces in Thailand’s southern province of Pattani engaged in a fierce clash with a group of insurgents in the Khlong Chang area, resulting in three insurgents being killed. This incident follows a sequence of violent events linked to the insurgents over several years. The confrontation occurred during a law enforcement operation in Khlong Chang, Naket subdistrict, Khok Pho district,…
-
Red Shirt leader sentenced to five years for disclosing state secrets
The Criminal Court sentenced Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan to five years in prison without probation for disclosing confidential state documents regarding Thai-Cambodian relations. His lawyer has filed for bail with collateral amounting to 250,000 baht. The Criminal Court convened yesterday, August 6, to deliver its verdict on the undecided case number 2540/2565. The public prosecutor had charged Thai politician…
-
Pattaya City honours Queen Sirikit ahead of 92nd birthday
Pattaya City hosted an event to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother in anticipation of her 92nd birthday on August 12, which is Thailand’s Mother’s Day. The ceremony, held at 10.30am today, August 7, in the Thappraya Room at Pattaya City Hall, reflected the city’s deep respect and gratitude towards the Queen Mother. Mayor Poramese Ngampichet led the…
-
Thai consumer confidence hits 11-month low
Thai consumers’ confidence in July continued to decline, marking the fifth consecutive month and reaching the lowest point in 11 months. The consumer confidence index fell from 58.9 to 57.7, driven by concerns over political stability in Thailand. Thanavath Phonvichai, President of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Advisory Centre for Economic and Business…
-
New interior permanent secretary appointed, effective October 1
The Cabinet appointed Ansit Samphantharat as the new permanent secretary of the Ministry of Interior, effective from October 1. He will succeed Suttipong Juljarern, who will retire at the end of this month. Ansit currently serves as the director of the Department of Provincial Administration within the ministry. His appointment came alongside the approval of Supachai Pathumnakul as the Permanent…
-
Minister clarifies tax concerns for digital wallet programme
Deputy Minister of Finance Julapun Amornvivat insists that sales data from stores participating in the digital wallet programme will not be submitted to the Revenue Department, but stores must file taxes if their sales increase significantly. Julapun addressed concerns yesterday from merchants about joining the digital wallet programme due to tax issues. He assured that the Ministry of Finance would…
-
MFP leader slams government over court case remarks
The Move Forward Party (MFP) launched a scathing attack on the Thai government, accusing them of jeopardising a high-profile court case with the publication of a personal opinion from Deputy Government spokesperson Karom Phonphonklang. The contentious article, which was briefly posted on the Government House website before being removed, sparked fears it could sway the court’s decision on the looming…
-
Thailand unveils US$548 billion water security plan
The Government of Thailand is set to launch a comprehensive water management plan worth half a trillion baht over the next three years, aiming to enhance the nation’s water security. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, following a meeting at the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) yesterday, August 5, expressed significant concern about water security and called on all relevant agencies to devise…
-
Ban-tastic wins: Political dynasties dominate PAO elections
Candidates from influential Ban Yai political families emerged victorious in the Provincial Administration Organisation (PAO) chair elections across three provinces. The PAO elections, held yesterday in Ayutthaya, Chai Nat, and Phayao, saw unofficial winners linked to the Bhumjaithai Party, the United Thai Nation Party, and the Pheu Thai Party. In Ayutthaya, Somsong Phancharoenworakul, a five-time chairwoman of the Ayutthaya PAO,…
-
Rayong residents call for construction permit verification
Residents of Ban Khai district in Rayong are urging government officials to verify whether the owner of a local construction project possesses the necessary permits. Concerns were sparked after a Chinese language poster was seen at a construction site for a factory within their community. Adul Akkaraphetpaisarn, an assistant village head, expressed that the village had not been informed of…
-
PPRP’s internal clash: Coalition ‘parties’ divided
The Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) faces an internal conflict, highlighting clear divisions within the government coalition partner, according to a political analyst. Phichai Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket, a political science lecturer at the National Institute of Development Administration, identified two factions within the PPRP: one led by party leader Prawit Wongsuwan and another by party secretary-general Thamanat Prompow. Prawit, who has…
-
10,000-baht scheme will go ahead: PM’s future ‘baht’ a problem
The Government of Thailand confirmed that the implementation of the 10,000-baht digital money handout scheme will proceed regardless of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s political future. This assurance comes amid concerns over the Thai premier’s potential dismissal due to a legal challenge. The 62 year old Thai PM’s position is under scrutiny due to a motion submitted by 40 senators. They…
-
Government officer drives recklessly in Phetchabun: Sleeping pills
A local government officer caused multiple vehicle accidents while driving what appeared to be a government vehicle in Phetchabun, leading to speculation about his sobriety. The officer claimed drowsiness due to sleeping pills as the reason for his erratic driving. A local news page in Phetchabun posted about a man, seemingly intoxicated, driving a four-door pickup truck marked “For Official…
-
Bangkok waste disposal crisis: Garbage trucks queue for kilometres (video)
A long line of garbage trucks has formed across Bangkok, with drivers waiting from morning until afternoon yesterday, August 2, to dispose of waste. Authorities are being urged to address the issue promptly. A video clip shared on social media yesterday shows a queue of numerous garbage trucks waiting to offload their waste. The social media page “อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part…
-
Pattaya minivan owner in despair after drain cover damages vehicle
A 39 year old minivan owner has been left in dire straits after a dislodged drain cover severely damaged his vehicle in Pattaya. On the evening of July 13, near the entrance of Soi Phothisarn on Sukhumvit Road, Kosol’s white Toyota van encountered the rogue cover, which flew up and wreaked havoc on the undercarriage, damaging the fuel tank and power…
-
Srettha dismisses ‘backup PM’ rumours amid court ruling concerns
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin dismissed rumours suggesting a “backup prime minister” is being considered to replace him. Speculation arose due to concerns about his potential removal over the appointment of ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as a PM’s Office Minister in the latest Cabinet reshuffle. The Thai premier assured the public of his commitment to his role. “I am still the prime…
-
Thai PM urged to sign Cannabis Act amid legislative delays
A letter urging the prompt signing of the Cannabis Act has been submitted to Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The Shaping the Future of Thai Cannabis network, led by spokesperson Chokwan Chopaka, delivered the letter, which was received by mass communication expert Pansak Charoen. The letter stressed the Thai premier’s previous commitment to regulating cannabis through specific legislation, particularly the…
-
US ambassador to join PM’s drug mission in Thailand
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is considering inviting US Ambassador Robert F Godec to the northern region later this month to observe the progress in anti-drug operations. The Thai premier yesterday revealed that he and Godec discussed the country’s drug problems on Wednesday, July 31. While the US anti-narcotics agency collaborates with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, there have…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.